The WMF Archives

By Angela Atkinson

Most working freelance writers have author websites these days. They're a great way to showcase and provide links to your work and tell potential clients more about you through an extended bio--plus, you can advertise your services, rates and throw in a blog for good measure. If you don't have an author website already, I recommend you get one. You can purchase a custom URL relatively inexpensively, and hosting can be free or super cheap. If it's not in the budget right now, you can set up a site through a free service like Webs.com and then convert it to a custom URL when you're ready. That way, your links will remain live even when you switch over to the new URL.

So, once you've got your site up and working, it's time to consider adding a testimonials page. Testimonials are brief comments or statements from colleagues, clients or other people with whom you've worked professionally which effectively endorse you and your services.

Why Do I Need Testimonials?

Simply put, testimonials afford you a certain amount of credibility. Potential clients and editors who are considering working with you are likely to feel more comfortable doing so if they know that others have had positive experiences. Plus, through a well-written testimonial, you can let your clients know how incredible you are without having to say so yourself.

Another great thing about testimonials? Clients who write them for you are statistically very likely to maintain a long term business relationship with you.

Who Do I Ask for Testimonials?

Start with people you're currently  working with (or have worked with in the past.) Include clients, editors and other writers or business owners and community members with whom you've collaborated on projects.

But what if you don't have a long list of clients or colleagues to choose from? Are you just out of luck? Where can you find testimonials when you're a new freelancer?

It can't hurt to get creative. Did you have a favorite teacher in school? Is there a professional friend or family member (with a different last name) who could vouch for your mad writing skills? Are you involved in an online writing community or writing group? Can you think of anyone within any of your social networks, "real life" or online that might be willing to help? Any of these are would be a good place to start when looking for a testimonial.

How Do I Ask for a Testimonial?

Once you've figured out WHO to ask, it's time to figure out HOW. The first and most obvious way to obtain testimonials for your website is to simply ask. In general, contact people via the usual method you communicate--so if you typically talk via email, send an email. If you usually speak to the person via phone or in person, do it that way.

Explain what you're looking for (a brief statement regarding the quality of your work, the experience of working with you, etc) and simply ask for their help. Most people are more than happy to lend a hand, especially because it benefits them as well.

What's In It for Them?

Besides brightening their karmic outlook, most people are honored to even be asked to provide a testimonial. Plus, you can offer link love (i.e. place a link on your site to theirs along with their testimonial.) And, of course, it certainly won't hurt their image.

You can also offer to reciprocate if the situation is appropriate. For example, one client of mine owns a business. He created a testimonial for my page, and I asked my husband to create one for his since we'd used his services in the past. Obviously, offering reciprocation isn't appropriate in every case, so be careful.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Often times, clients or readers will send you a note or make positive comments about you or your work without being prodded. Usually, this happens informally. Starting now, take note of these compliments. Create a file in which you save each compliment or positive statement about your work. Be sure to note who said what.

You can use these compliments and statements as testimonials. As a courtesy, be sure to ask the person who said or wrote it whether they mind your posting it on your site.

One thing to avoid: don't make up testimonials. That doesn't mean that you can't help a well-meaning but writing challenged person to clarify their thoughts. Just don't falsify any statements or say things that just aren't true. You'll not only lose credibility, but you may lose potential business too.

Why You Need Testimonials and How to Get Them